While honeybees are a critical part of our ecosystem, playing a major role in pollination and food production, having a colony set up residence on your property can be stressful and even dangerous. At Covenant Wildlife, we value the importance of bees in the environment—but we also recognize the need to protect your home, family, and pets. Knowing how to make your property less attractive to honeybee colonies can help you avoid a potentially costly and risky removal.
In this blog, we’ll explore why honeybees choose certain areas to colonize, the signs of bee activity, and practical tips you can implement to deter colonies from settling near your home or business.
Why Honeybees are Choosing Your Property
Honeybees are naturally drawn to safe, sheltered locations that provide easy access to food and water sources. When scouting for a place to start a new hive, bees look for specific features that indicate a secure, resource-rich environment. If your property provides those features, you may inadvertently become the next location for a growing colony.
Common Attractants for Honeybees:
- Abundant flowers and vegetation – especially those that bloom in spring and summer.
- Standing water – including birdbaths, ponds, fountains, and leaking faucets.
- Open cavities – such as wall voids, attic spaces, eaves, and tree hollows.
- Scented items – like perfumes, outdoor trash bins, or sugary drink containers.
- Sheltered, undisturbed spaces – such as sheds, garages, crawl spaces, or under decks.
Signs That Honeybees are Interested in Your Property
Before a full colony moves in, you may start to notice scout bees. These bees are on a mission to find suitable hive locations. If your property is attracting scouts, it’s important to take preventive action before a full hive develops.
Watch for these early warning signs:
- Increased bee activity around your home
- Clusters of bees inspecting eaves or siding
- Buzzing sounds coming from within walls or attics
- Bees hovering near water sources or flowering plants
- Visible comb in exposed areas
If you notice any of these signs, call a professional for an inspection before the situation escalates.
How to Naturally Deter if Honeybees are Around
Fortunately, there are several effective, humane ways to make your property less inviting to honeybee colonies. Most of these methods are simple preventive measures that homeowners can incorporate into their regular yard maintenance and household routines.
1. Eliminate Standing Water
Bees need water to regulate the temperature of the hive and to dilute honey. Any consistent water source on your property could attract them.
- Fix leaky faucets and hoses.
- Empty birdbaths frequently.
- Keep gutters clean and free of clogs.
- Cover or move water features if possible.
2. Secure Structural Openings
Honeybees love sheltered cavities, especially those that go unnoticed by humans. To avoid attracting bees, inspect your property for potential entry points.
- Seal cracks and holes in walls, soffits, and siding.
- Repair window screens and cover vents with fine mesh.
- Close gaps under roof shingles and around utility lines.
- Make sure attic, garage, and crawl space doors close tightly.
3. Remove or Relocate Attractants
If you have plants or objects that draw bees close to your home, consider repositioning them or reducing their presence.
- Keep flowering plants and gardens away from entrances and walkways.
- Store sugary drinks and food indoors or in sealed containers.
- Avoid using scented candles, perfumes, or lotions outdoors.
- Clean outdoor eating areas and trash bins regularly.
4. Use Bee-Repellent Plants
Certain plants are known to naturally repel bees due to their strong scents or compounds.
- Eucalyptus
- Citronella
- Peppermint
- Wormwood
- Cucumber (particularly the peels)
While these plants may not completely eliminate bees, they can help redirect their interest elsewhere.
5. Maintain Regular Yard Work
An unkempt yard provides hiding places and shelter bees might find appealing.
- Trim trees and shrubs regularly.
- Remove dead trees or branches that may contain hollows.
- Keep lawn furniture clean and free of sugary spills.
- Store woodpiles and yard tools away from structures.
What to Do If Honeybees are Forming a Hive
If you discover a hive in progress—or worse, a full colony—do not attempt to remove it yourself. Honeybees will defend their hive if they feel threatened, and multiple stings can be dangerous or even deadly for people with allergies.
Here’s what to do instead:
- Keep your distance – Avoid agitating the hive.
- Do not spray chemicals – This can provoke the bees or make humane relocation impossible.
- Contact professionals – At Covenant Wildlife, we can assess the situation and determine the safest and most environmentally responsible solution.
In some cases, a local beekeeper may be able to remove and relocate the hive. In others, pest control professionals may be required to safely handle the situation, especially if the bees are aggressive or located in hard-to-reach areas.
Why Choose Covenant Wildlife?
At Covenant Wildlife, we take pride in providing safe, humane wildlife control services—including honeybee identification and removal. We understand the ecological importance of honeybees and always strive to relocate hives when possible rather than exterminate them. Our goal is to protect both your property and the valuable role bees play in our environment.
When you choose us, you get:
- Experienced, licensed professionals
- Safe and humane bee removal strategies
- Property assessments to prevent future infestations
- Environmentally responsible practices
- Fast, reliable service
Follow Tips to Make Sure Honeybees are Staying Away
Honeybees are essential to our planet, but that doesn’t mean they belong in your walls or under your deck. By understanding what attracts honeybee colonies and taking proactive steps to reduce those attractants, you can protect your home from unwanted hive invasions.
If you suspect that bees are scouting your property or you’ve found a hive forming, don’t wait. Reach out to Covenant Wildlife today for professional support and peace of mind.
